Consumer alert: Mail-order orthodontic treatments

With a number of online mail-order orthodontic treatments appearing on the market, the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) is warning the Australian public against the health and financial risks associated with unsupervised, self-administered orthodontics.

This trend is gathering momentum in the United States, with aligner manufacturing companies now encouraging people to take teeth straightening into their own hands by purchasing ‘DIY’ clear aligners with no in-person assessment by a specialist orthodontist or a general dentist. Australians need to be aware of the dangers and limitations of attempting to move their teeth with at-home kits, which include the risk of serious damage to teeth and gums, poor treatment results and a lack of accountability from the product provider should things go wrong. Moving teeth is a health care procedure and it requires the personal supervision of a specialist orthodontist to ensure treatment is carried out safely and effectively.

For some consumers, ordering tooth aligners online may seem convenient and cost-effective, however the costs involved in repairing damage from unsupervised treatment can far outweigh the initial investment.

The ASO urges consumers to be wary of these risks and recommends a comprehensive assessment with a specialist orthodontist before considering treatment with clear aligners.